Sushi restaurant to take over former Pie Five Pizza space

A sushi restaurant concept is coming to Springfield by way of Oklahoma.

SushiFork Springfield is taking over space previously occupied by Pie Five Pizza Co., which closed last year in a shopping center at 1008 E. Battlefield Road.

Ashley Cross, who owns the local operation with her husband, Ben, said a mid-January opening date is targeted, pending city permit approvals.

"We are thrilled to bring this new concept to Springfield," she said via Facebook Messenger.

The first SushiFork operates in Tulsa. Led by founder Greg Bossler, the concept has combined fork and chopsticks cutlery for its menu of customizable sushi rolls, sushi burritos, and salads and wraps, according to its website.

SushiFork Springfield's Facebook page includes information about franchising, though it's unclear if the restaurant is operating under a franchise agreement. Cross could not be reached for follow-up questions by deadline.

The sushi restaurant will join tenants Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s Subs on East Battlefield Road. The shopping center was developed by Branson-based HCW LLC, but it’s now owned by Springfield commercial developer James Tillman’s Battlefield Starbucks Center LLC, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.